FABULOUS! Ten Years of FIDM Museum Acquisitions, 2000–2010

This exhibition celebrated the past decade of collecting at the FIDM Museum in Los Angeles. With a surge in extraordinary donations and purchases between 2000 and the present, the FIDM Museum collection attained new eminence and richness, particularly in the areas of 19th- and 20th- century haute couture, mid-20th century American designers, and international contemporary designers. In assembling this collection, the museum has adhered to uncompromising standards and acquired only items distinguished by superior design, the highest level of craftsmanship, and the finest materials. The exhibition included 175 donated and purchased garments and accessories worn by women, men, and children spanning 1800 to 2010. FABULOUS highlights included: a white gauze French empire gown, a luxurious embroidered court suit worn by composer Johann Hummel, a Redfern court gown with regulation eleven-foot-long train, and a museum-commissioned lace peacock motif Alexander McQueen couture gown. The exhibition was accompanied by a fully illustrated 375-page catalogue, which is available for purchase via thefidmmuseumstore.org.